Quicky DVD Reviews

Agent Cody Banks 2 - Destination: London

Rating: PG

This film roughly follows the same formula as the last one: parody James Bond, mine Frankie Muniz for all the charm he's got, and make sure all the adults are pretty much idiots. However, this time instead of Cody Banks saving the world from the shores of the good ole USA, he is doing it in London. He gains a new handler (whose bright idea was it to ditch Angie Harmon?!), a new "love interest" in a British junior agent, and a few new gadgets (How much did Mentos pay for their not-so-brief cameo?) Overall, it is an entertaining film, which is generally family-friendly. Not a film for when you are in the mood for a drama, characterization, or intelligent dialogue. But mindless fun, and generally a step up from any of the Spy Kids movies.



Hellboy

Rating: R

In the age of comic book adaptations, where Marvel can do no wrong (aside from Ward's opinion of HULK) and DC can do nothing right (*cough* Catwoman *cough*), it is nice to see that other comic makers are getting into the swing of things. Hellboy follows the story of a young demon who is sent to earth to destroy it, but is found by a kindly human who raises the creature as his own son. Now mature, Hellboy has become a hero for humanity, fighting against any paranormal monsters that may threaten Joe Public. The problem? Since it is hard to ignore the fact that he is 8 feet tall and bright red, Hellboy is forced to live a life alone, except for a few other exceptional and dangerous friends. The movie is no Spider-Man 2, but it is definitely above-average in the comic-book adaptation genre of films. Put this one above Daredevil but below X-Men. Recommended, though the imagery and quasi-spiritual subject matter will disturb some. Nothing here that worried my spirit-meter, but please be aware there were plenty of things to make you go "Ewwwwwww!"



Alien Saga

Rating: Unrated

The series of movies that began with Ridley Scott's first "haunted house in space" movie has spawned quite a family. The first was an amazing horror film, the second an action-adventure on par with Indiana Jones, the third was moody, bleak, and generally seen as a disappointment, and the fourth... well... if you were aware there was a fourth movie then you are like me and a die-hard sci fi junkie who will see a movie just because it is labelled "sci fi." The alien films had a rocky history, and this new documentary follows it from the original vision of a writer inspired by H.R. Gieger's drawings, to the greed of modern hollywood studios desperate to save a dying franchise with drek like the upcoming "Alien vs. Predator." This film is an interesting look inside the films, and has lots of cool tidbits and cut scenes. But if you are not someone who has seen and enjoyed at least 2 of the alien movies, there is nothing much of interest. Recommended to sci fi freaks, but please be aware that at times it feels more like the filmmakers are pleading for an Alien 5 than like a dispassionate documentary.